A deep geopolitical shift is unfolding in the Maghreb. Mauritania, long seen as strictly “neutral” regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue, now appears to be moving toward an open and gradual recognition of the Autonomy Plan proposed by the Kingdom. This plan is supported by major global powers and reinforced by the latest United Nations Security Council resolution.
This shift aligns with a broader trend marked by the rise of a Morocco–Mauritania–United Arab Emirates axis, growing increasingly coordinated on strategic, economic and geopolitical fronts. Shared interests are multiplying: large-scale Emirati investments, accelerated diplomatic rapprochement between Rabat and Nouakchott, and major shared projects including Sahel connectivity and the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline.
A Growing Moroccan Presence in Nouakchott That Annoys Algiers
Recently, the participation of Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch in the inauguration ceremony of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani for his second term, followed by a lengthy bilateral meeting, was widely read as a strong diplomatic signal. The reaction from Algeria’s military leadership was immediate and tense, reflecting its declining regional influence.
This rapprochement was further confirmed days later by a symbolic and unprecedented decision: Mauritania officially adopted school textbooks featuring the full map of the Kingdom of Morocco, including its Southern Provinces. Approved by the Mauritanian Ministry of Education, this update marks a clear break from years of Algerian pressure. The change was widely celebrated in Morocco, where it is seen as an implicit but unmistakable acknowledgment of Moroccan sovereignty.
Algeria Facing Diplomatic Failure as Mauritania Breaks Free
For Algeria’s generals, this shift is perceived as a direct blow. For decades, they attempted unsuccessfully to integrate Mauritania into their political narrative of a “Maghreb without Morocco”. Today the situation is clear: Nouakchott has chosen pragmatism, stability and long-term regional partnerships.
Mauritania’s strategic and financial alignment with the United Arab Emirates is strong and continues to deepen, while Morocco stands as a reliable and indispensable partner for regional security, Sahel connectivity and development.
At present, Algeria is left relying almost solely on Tunisia, itself facing severe economic fragility, to maintain the appearance of an “alternative axis” that remains purely bilateral and without regional impact.
A Logical Evolution of Mauritania’s Stance on the Sahara
Mauritania has always held a unique position in the Moroccan Sahara file due to its history and past involvement. While Nouakchott still formally recognizes the so-called RASD, current dynamics are pushing toward a full reconsideration of that stance. International and UN support for Morocco’s proposal is now overwhelming. Under such circumstances, maintaining a position labeled “neutral” is increasingly unsustainable.
A potential withdrawal of recognition of the so-called “RASD” would represent a political shift of exceptional magnitude.
Toward an Inevitable Recognition of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan
All indicators point in the same direction: Mauritania is steadily moving toward an official recognition of the Autonomy Plan for the Moroccan Sahara, now seen internationally as the only realistic, viable and widely supported solution. Such a shift would represent a historic moment for regional stability, the future of the Maghreb and the definitive failure of Algerian maneuvers on this issue.
Strengthened by its diplomatic and strategic advances, Morocco now approaches the future with confidence. Global momentum is clearly aligned with the Kingdom, whose vision for the region is increasingly recognized as the only realistic, constructive and lasting path forward.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv